What are heterogeneous nodules?

[ChitChatNine]

I ask bcz they found 2 heterogenous nodules aprox. 3.5cm's ea. on my sister in law's ultrasound last week.  She sees her Dr. on Feb. 5th but in the meantime, any insight for her?

Thanks .. I'm at a loss on this one .. interesting to note she hasn't had any thyroid tests done yet (blood) and had had awful hot flashes the past 9 mos or so & mood changes  .. above and beyond menopause .. Maybe she will get some answers.

I am so glad she took my advice and went to the Dr.  The nodules were very visible.

C~

[tiredpuppy]

It is an isolated irregular nodule or goiter...basically suspect.

[utahmomma]

I'm so glad you encouraged her to get it checked out.

Heterogeneous is the opposite of homogeneous which mean "of the same".  Basically it's a "complex" nodule made of different cystic or solid components - yeah, suspicious.

The nodules are VERY large and I'm sure the doctor is going to recommend surgery.

I'm glad that she will have you to help her through all of this.

[ChitChatNine]

Thank you both very much ... and, I'm glad you have been there for me in support and knowledge; I am feeling consistently much better the past few days and know I can help her tremendously through her "wait and see" process.

C~

[pi21]

Moody, tired, had low thyroid for years.  Throat felt swollen like collar was too tight.  Dr. couldn't see it but since thyroid test was low then high again suggest ultrasound.   Mailed me a letter when my phone was dead  that reads Your results
Impression: Small heterogeneous thyroid with small module in the right.
If you have questions about your test results, please call and schedule an appointment to discuss with Dr. Davis.  

Either its not too serious or he's not the excitable type huh?

[ChitChatNine]

                             ~ WELCOME TO THE COMMUNITY ~

Why do Docs send out reports like this WITHOUT A PHONECALL explaining the results to you?????

Definitely call and ask how large the nodule is and what the followup plans call for?  If it is over 1.0cm then ask about a biopsy (fine needle aspiration called an FNA).  Usually under 1.0cm they won't do it .. probably isn't that large as the report says "small" but I'm not a doctor; just a patient like you are, too.

UPDATE:
My sister in law had her nodules out and they were not cancer!  Now listen to this part -- it is bizarre -- what they assumed was a full thyroid on her ultrasound actually was only 1/2 thyroid .. the other half which presented itself "as a thyroid" was actually a huge nodule that went thru the isthmus and was sitting in the cavity where her other 1/2 of thyroid should have been!!!!

She is symptom free from compression and has healed beautifullly;  cannot even see her scar.  We had surgeries 6 weeks apart from each other.

Pls. post back with your update and any other questions!!!

Cheryl

[tamrakat]

Hi Cheryl, I hope everything is okay with you and your sister-in-law. I have three (4, 6, & 9mm) ill-defined bilateral hypoechoic thyroid nodules on ultrasound report. Going to see endocrinologist on Monday (6/9/08) for FNR. My mom had thyroid cancer at 31, I am 47. She had thyroidechtomy and lived another 39 years taking thyroid meds. I'm trying to keep a positive outlook, but I'm nervous. Still hoping mine are benign as I'd rather not have surgery with all the killer bacteria in hospitals these days.....

Tamra

[AMYLAI]

my report reads:significant elevated 24-hour thyroid uptake of 43.6%
the tyroid id enlarged with markedly heterogenous uptake.there is no suppression of portions of the gland the ultrasound demonstrated multiple solid nodules bilaterally.
impression findings are compatible with a toxic multi nodular goter.
my bw levels are also crazy.
CAN ANYONE PUT THIS IN LIKE LAMENS TERMS????????